Volume One, Chapter Six: Putting on a Front

As dusk began to settle, Song Xianwan had only just returned to Begonia Court when Madam Song hurriedly approached her. "Madam Wu is coming this way with her entourage. Judging by the display, it looks like she intends to make a grand gesture."

Fuling paused in front of the bronze mirror, her hand holding the rhinoceros horn comb hesitating.

"If it weren't for the old madam's intervention, she wouldn't have come at all," she said.

Hearing Fuling's words, Song Xianwan gazed at her slightly haggard reflection and suddenly smiled softly.

"Bring that box of snail ink."

Fuling nodded and retrieved the item. Opening the celadon box, she picked up the silver-handled jade pestle and carefully ground the jasmine-scented powder, mixing it with ointment before applying it beneath Song Xianwan’s eyes.

In just a moment, the reflection in the mirror appeared pale and sallow, even her lips tinged with the hue of illness.

"This makeup, miss..." Fuling hesitated, unwilling to say it looked as if she were near death.

Before she could finish, the sound of jade bracelets chiming came from outside.

A twelve-panel moonlight skirt swept across the threshold, the door curtain swaying as Gu Shuya entered.

Golden phoenix hairpins intertwined with Eastern pearls dangled at her forehead, casting a shadow over the beauty in her eyes, which now looked dim and unreadable.

"Greetings to Madam Wu," she said.

Song Xianwan made a gesture to bow, but a cool hand suddenly clasped her wrist.

Gu Shuya’s fingertips were icy, yet her grip was as firm as an iron band. "Poor child, still observing etiquette in such a state of illness—why bother being polite to me?"

She then glanced at the maid holding the red lacquer tray. "They've been shortchanging you with worthless things, making outsiders think the Marquis House neglects you."

A gilded peony teacup was placed on the rosewood table, producing a crisp sound.

"This floating light brocade is a palace gift, along with bird's nest and old ginseng—nourishing items for your health."

"Don’t blame Madam Wu. She thought the western courtyard was quiet and hoped you’d be able to recuperate in peace. But some loose-tongued servant spread rumors that I wanted to drive you away."

Gu Shuya’s hand brushed across the embroidered satin, the jade and gold bracelet clinking sharply against the teacup.

At these words, Song Xianwan whispered softly, "I know Madam Wu’s intentions toward me."

Gu Shuya smiled and nodded. "I knew you were the most courteous of us all."

"Tomorrow, I will have the sewing room take your measurements and make you some proper visiting clothes."

After these courteous words, Song Xianwan hid her anxious expression by clasping her fingers in her palm. "Madam Wu’s kindness overwhelms me..."

Before she could finish, a sudden metallic taste rose in her throat.

She turned her head with a cough, catching sight of a young maid peeking from the corridor.

By now, the whole Marquis House must have heard that Madam Wu, putting aside past grievances, had come specifically to visit the sick.

Gu Shuya reached out and patted Song Xianwan’s hand. "We’re family, so don’t be so formal."

Her words carried hidden meaning, her smile failing to reach her eyes.

If Song Xianwan hadn’t known her true methods, she might have believed Gu Shuya to be a kindhearted person.

Yet, since the Yongning Marquis House was still under her control, Song Xianwan had no intention of openly clashing with her.

With this in mind, she quickly feigned being touched and said, "Madam Wu is busy with state affairs; naturally, I understand it was the servants’ doing."

"Thank you for personally remembering me and sending these gifts."

Her eyes shone with genuine gratitude, betraying no pretense.

Gu Shuya nodded. "Just tell them that you are sensible. If anyone dares to bully you, you must come to me."

Having delivered her message, Gu Shuya saw no reason to stay longer.

After exchanging a few polite words, she left without even sitting down in Begonia Court.

Once the purple figure vanished beyond the hanging flower gate, Fuling closed the window lattice and quietly asked, "Miss, shall I carefully inspect these items?"

"No need."

Song Xianwan picked up a filigreed gold hairpin from the embroidered box; the sunlight filtering through the window screen revealed the secret Marquis House emblem on the pinhead.

"If she wants to play the role of the 'benevolent madam,' she certainly wouldn’t leave any evidence in plain sight."

"No wonder she’s been in charge of the Marquis House for so many years—she’s quite capable."

——

When Gu Shuya returned to the Tranquil Courtyard, she found that the fifth master, Qin Zhi, had also come back.

Qin Zhi now held a position in the Ministry of Revenue, a relatively idle post. When free, he usually returned to the Marquis House.

"Master," Gu Shuya called out.

At the sound of her voice, Qin Zhi’s expression shifted briefly but softened into a gentle smile as he turned to face her.

"Where have you been, madam?"

Seeing the smile, Gu Shuya stepped forward. "I brought some things over for Awan."

"I’ve been busy recently and haven’t been able to look after Awan. Some unruly servants took advantage, and the child has grown so thin—it’s truly heart-wrenching."

Gu Shuya’s hands were hidden inside her sleeves, fingers tightly intertwined, her gaze fixed steadily on Qin Zhi.

It was as if she sought some reaction from his face.

Qin Zhi’s expression flickered slightly at her words but quickly composed himself.

"You manage the Marquis House and handle countless affairs daily. Awan is soft-hearted; it’s inevitable she’d be bullied."

His words echoed Gu Shuya’s, to which she smiled faintly and nodded. "But I have already reprimanded those servants. No one will dare to bully Awan again."

As they spoke, they walked toward the courtyard.

Gu Shuya intended to ask Qin Zhi to stay for dinner, but he abruptly changed direction, saying he had other matters, then left the Tranquil Courtyard.

Madam Li watched Qin Zhi’s figure recede, noting her mistress’s increasingly somber expression.

"If madam had said a few kind words, maybe master would have stayed today..."

"His heart isn’t with me; no matter what I say, it’s useless."

Hearing this, Gu Shuya’s lips curled into a self-mocking smile.

Outsiders said the fifth master and she were deeply in love, inseparable and devoted, but only Gu Shuya knew that Qin Zhi had never once shown her affection.

Seeing this, Madam Li had no more to say and sighed quietly.

After leaving the Tranquil Courtyard, Qin Zhi returned to his study, his heart aching as he recalled Gu Shuya’s words.

His third sister had only one daughter, Awan. If she knew the suffering Awan endured in the Marquis House, she would never rest in peace.

With this thought, he motioned for his attendant to enter.

"Master, what is it?"

The attendant asked, then heard Qin Zhi say, "Take these silver notes and purchase some things a young lady would like. Then quietly send them to Begonia Court."

Qin Zhi handed a silver note from a drawer to the attendant.

As the attendant took the money and turned to leave, Qin Zhi added quietly, "Make sure no one finds out, especially Madam Wu."

Though surprised, the attendant said nothing further and left the study with the silver.

This fifth master was truly strange—buying gifts for his niece but having to hide it, fearing Madam Wu’s discovery.

If one didn’t know better, they might think the young lady was his own daughter.

Startled by this thought, the attendant immediately shook his head.

How ridiculous—it was impossible to think that way.